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Evangelical Studies Unit

Call for Proposals

Theme for 2023: Evangelicals and the Work of Their Hands

The Evangelical Studies Unit invites proposals for individual papers or complete panels related to the presidential theme, the Work of Our Hands. We welcome papers exploring how this theme manifests within evangelical theology, history, culture, politics, practice, activism, and/or social vision, and are particularly interested in projects that offer constructive and synthetic approaches to suggest new directions for the study of evangelicalism.

Possible framing questions include: How does the spiritual emphasis of evangelical theology navigate the materiality of the world (e.g., poverty, embodiment, social justice, race, labor, land, money, etc.)? How have evangelicals negotiated the tensions of their desire to be in but not of their cultures? And how have they distinguished the boundaries of cultural engagement, stewardship, and appropriation?

We welcome research related to evangelicals and various ways of defining “work” using a wide array of spiritual, physical, cultural, and technological resources. Examples of sub-themes include:

  • Distinctions between Spiritual & Material, Public & Private
  • Mission & Evangelism
  • Social Justice Work
  • The Social Gospel Movement
  • Labor
  • Land & Immigration
  • Capitalism
  • Embodiment
  • Race
  • Sexuality
  • Art

Lastly, the Evangelical Studies Unit and the Korean Religions Unit welcome proposals for a joint session on Christianity in South Korea that explores the anthropological, historical, and sociological dimensions of evangelical megachurches, and also studies that use a transpacific lens.

Statement of Purpose

The Evangelical Studies Unit promotes critical analysis and innovative thinking around the study of Evangelicalism through multifaceted approaches by fostering dialogue across disciplines and diverse social locations. Unlike many groups aimed at the study of Evangelicalism, there is no confessional expectation or requirement for membership or participation within this Unit.

Chairs

Steering Committee Members

Method

PAPERS

Other

Names of authors remain anonymous to the steering committee and co-chairs during the review process, but, out of consideration for diversity, access, and inclusion, will be visible to co-chairs during session construction. Our approach to evaluating proposals in this manner is part of our effort to broaden participant diversity, while, at the same time, mitigating partiality in the review process. While not ideal, this approach remains helpful for the time being, especially as the Evangelical Studies Unit continues to correct for its long history of being dominated by white men who took a more traditional approach to the subject.

Review Process

Proposer names are visible to chairs but anonymous to steering committee members